Originally written by Jordan Campbell
Whether the band name is spelled Minethorn or Mine[thorn] isn’t really clear (inconsistencies abound, even in band-published literature). Quite frankly, the band’s intent isn’t clear, either. Sure, there’s the obvious nod to Godflesh in the scraping, lumbering, mouth-breathing lurch they employ; and there’s some serious Obsolete worship in songs like “Compactor.” However, it’s all quite subdued. There’s a self-swallowing nature to these tracks, and they tend to bury themselves in a mass of faceless muck before disappearing from the forefront of consciousness. Whether intended to be a collection of songs or a soundtrack to a “greater experience,” the failure to engage on either level is painfully disappointing.
Admirably, Minethorn take strong cues from their main influences without sounding wholly derivative. Unfortunately, Junk Hive Noir is incredibly dull. If Minethorn could dredge up their mud-caked, sluggish machinery from the dank caves of boredom, they could become an interesting niche act. However, with half of their members toiling away in The Axis of Perdition, it’s doubtful that Minethorn wiill see a trickle-down of compelling material. Even the most ardent of industrial metal scavengers will find little worth in this abyss.
